Weather

Snow Driving - 4WD vs AWD

Posted: Dec 27, 2012 11:44 AM by Meteorologist Matt Elwell
Updated: Dec 27, 2012 12:09 PM

I will admit it - I am a geek and a gear-head all rolled into one. I love the latest gadgets and I want the coolest power tools. In order to keep my car running in high school (and most of college) I was forced to diagnose and fix most of my own problems. When it came to transmissions and clutches, those issues were left to the experts. There is an element of that science that wasn't worth my limited expertise to learn.

I came across an interesting article the other day that I found fascinating that compares 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) to All Wheel Drive (AWD) and how they work.

Without getting too technical, the article states that an AWD vehicle has all four wheels turning with equal traction and power which is great in dry and normal conditions. The author states that problems occur when one wheel loses traction and power is transferred to that one particular wheel while the others stand stationary. Traction control technology certainly helps, but they can cause some disadvantages as well.

A 4WD vehicle has issues as well, though in slick conditions the power is equally transferred to all wheels. Again, there are disadvantages to using 4WD, but technology has improved how 4WD vehicles operate in snow and ice as a whole.

While the article seems slanted to the 4WD vehicle rather than an AWD vehicle, it sheds light on the mechanics of how each system works. The fact is that you don't need those tools to drive safely in winter weather.

Here are some tips:

Get good tires - Traction is a major key to safe winter driving.
Make sure you can see - Clear the windshield and make sure that you have adequate windshield wipers.
Run the air-conditioner - Run the air conditioner to remove condensation inside the vehicle. You can turn the temperature to hot, but the AC actually dries the air.
Check your lights - Clear your headlamps and taillights to help visibility and make sure other drives can see you.
Give yourself a brake - Learn how to get the most out of your brakes. Don't lock up your brakes if you don't have ABS brakes, but do give brakes a good stomp if your vehicle has ABS.
Keep an eye out for black ice - If the road looks slick, it probably is. Especially in Montana.
Don't over steer - If you lose traction with your front tires, don't continue turning the wheel. If your car DOES regain traction it could launch you into oncoming traffic.
Slow down - Drive according to conditions and abilities. The best word of advice given to me when driving in winter weather was to pretend like there is a hot cup of coffee between your legs that you don't want to spill. That will keep you in control as you turn a corner and will make sure that a sudden stop will be in control.